The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Friday, released the final list of candidates eligible to participate in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State. The governorship election is slated for October 10, 2020. The list, with names of 16 males and one female indicated that incumbent governor, Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Eyitayo Jegede will battle it out with 15 others. Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner, and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, in a statement, in Abuja, said that four political parties that earlier made valid nominations have substituted their candidates.
Okoye disclosed that the list was published at INEC’s state and local government offices in Ondo State. He also said that it was also available on the commission’s website and social media platforms.
He said, “The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) withdrew and substituted their Deputy Governorship candidates while the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) substituted both its Governorship and Deputy Governorship, candidates.
“Consequently, the Commission has published the final list of nominated candidates in our State and Local Government offices in Ondo State. The list is also available on our website and social media platforms.
“Political parties, candidates in the election and members of the public are advised to check the final list of candidates and be guided accordingly.”
“It will be recalled that on July 31, the Commission published the provisional list of candidates for the Ondo governorship election comprising 17 political parties.
“In accordance with Section 35 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and as provided in the timetable and schedule of activities released on Feb. 6, withdrawal and substitution of candidates ended at 6 pm on Aug. 18.
